intersperse
/,intə'spə:s/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To place or insert at intervals among other things.
- To diversify or vary by placing or inserting something at intervals.
Usage
The verb "intersperse" describes the action of scattering or distributing items or elements among other things, creating a mixture or breaking up uniformity. It is often used in formal or descriptive contexts related to writing, speech, design, or arrangement.
Examples
- The author intersperses serious analysis with humorous anecdotes.
- Flower beds were interspersed among the trees along the path.
- He interspersed his lecture with questions to engage the audience.
- The documentary intersperses historical footage with modern interviews.
Advanced Usage
- "to intersperse something with something": This is a common construction where the main material or setting is followed by "with" and the items being inserted.
- She interspersed her narrative with vivid descriptions of the landscape.
- "to be interspersed with/in/among": The passive voice is frequently used.
- The text is interspersed with diagrams.
- Villages are interspersed among the hills.
Variants and Related Words
- Interspersion (noun): The act of interspersing or the state of being interspersed.
- The interspersion of different textures creates visual interest.
Synonyms
- Scatter: To throw or drop things so that they spread over an area.
- Sprinkle: To scatter small drops or particles of a substance.
- Dot: To mark with small spots or objects scattered over a surface.
- Pepper (informal): To scatter or distribute liberally throughout.
Antonyms
- Collect: To bring or gather together.
- Amass: To gather together or accumulate.
- Cluster: To form or cause to form a group.
Related Phrases/Idioms
No common idioms specifically use "intersperse." Its usage is typically literal.
Verb
- introduce one's writing or speech with certain expressions
- place at intervals in or among
- intersperse exclamation marks in the text